But in an airplane, it becomes mission-critical.
The next time your ears block on a plane, don’t curse the wax. Thank your ancient, imperfect anatomy. And start the Valsalva—gently—before the runway lights appear. ear blocked airplane
But the sensation of being "blocked" is a lie. Your ear isn't blocked by wax or fluid. It's actually collapsed . To understand the blockage, you have to meet the unsung hero of your middle ear: the Eustachian tube . This narrow, floppy passageway connects the space behind your eardrum to the back of your throat (near your tonsils). Its job is mundane on the ground: drain fluid and equalize pressure. But in an airplane, it becomes mission-critical